WINKLEIGH residents battled Saturday’s weather — with energy bills in hand — to attend a ‘switching clinic’ at the village hall on Saturday where Channel Four’s Countdown star Rachel Riley was helping them to save hundreds of pounds.

In partnership with uSwitch, Rachel helped residents find nearly £8,000 in savings by switching energy suppliers while they enjoyed a cuppa with the presenter and former Strictly Come Dancing contestant. One resident saved over £520 by switching.

As a thank you to the village for hosting the kick-off of uSwitch’s national switching campaign, the company is also helping Winkleigh Parish Council with a new bus shelter and a child’s play area. Alice Turner, parish council chair, accepted the award on behalf of the village.